model 1 of 3

model

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adjective

model

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun model differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of model are example, exemplar, ideal, and pattern. While all these words mean "someone or something set before one for guidance or imitation," model applies to something taken or proposed as worthy of imitation.

a decor that is a model of good taste

When could example be used to replace model?

The meanings of example and model largely overlap; however, example applies to a person to be imitated or in some contexts on no account to be imitated but to be regarded as a warning.

children tend to follow the example of their parents

Where would exemplar be a reasonable alternative to model?

The synonyms exemplar and model are sometimes interchangeable, but exemplar suggests either a faultless example to be emulated or a perfect typification.

cited Joan of Arc as the exemplar of courage

When might ideal be a better fit than model?

The words ideal and model are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ideal implies the best possible exemplification either in reality or in conception.

never found a job that matched his ideal

In what contexts can pattern take the place of model?

Although the words pattern and model have much in common, pattern suggests a clear and detailed archetype or prototype.

American industry set a pattern for others to follow

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of model
Noun
Illinois and Northwestern met for the Sweet Sioux Tomahawk from 1945 to 2007, then retired that trophy and now play for the Land of Lincoln Trophy, modeled after Abraham Lincoln’s hat. Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 10 July 2025 Freelancers and independent professionals are modeling healthy AI adoption in real time. Kelly Monahan, Fortune, 9 July 2025
Adjective
So creating models that are predictive of real-world systems, to me, was just an incredibly fascinating endeavor. Fortune Editors, Fortune, 9 July 2025 Three pricing models for Amazon Prime memberships include: Amazon Prime membership Chris Sims is a digital producer at IndyStar. Chris Sims, IndyStar, 9 July 2025
Verb
In October, Los Angeles County’s top prosecutor said the brothers had been model prisoners and recommended that they be resentenced to 50 years to life in prison. Tim Stelloh, NBC News, 9 Nov. 2024 According to online reports, the buyers are model Olivia Culpo and her San Francisco 49ers husband Christian McCaffrey, who picked up the nearly 3.2-acre spread for $14.5 million. Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 30 Sep. 2024 See All Example Sentences for model
Recent Examples of Synonyms for model
Noun
  • The 13-inch OLED touch screen is stunning, with fantastic color reproduction and crisp visuals.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 11 July 2025
  • Ross noted that the exhibit includes murals with life-size reproductions of figures that were originally painted smaller.
    Kelly Haramis, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • There are mannequins with giant tennis balls for heads in Mary’s Living & Giving charity shop; Italian food shop Vallebona has pillars made out of tennis balls topped by cheese wheels.
    Caoimhe O'Neill, New York Times, 10 July 2025
  • Resting in the corner of her apartment across from her full-length mirror, Bellew's mannequin is the upper half and waist of a woman's body.
    Katie Hill, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 July 2025
Noun
  • Unemployment had altered her idea of what qualified as a life.
    Nora Lange, New Yorker, 10 July 2025
  • The most transformative ideas often come from the edges—from employees closest to the customer, to the problem, to the reality.
    Alex Goryachev, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • Although there were many personnel changes in the group with Score being the constant, the classic lineup reunited for the albums Ascension (2018) and String Theory (2021).
    David Chiu, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Go classic or try a variety of twists on the standard cheesesteak, including vegan options.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Unlike the grooves of a normal road wheel, its surface is almost completely smooth except for small indents, patterned differently between front and back wheel, which are designed to just slightly roughen the air, encouraging the right level of turbulent flow.
    Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 11 July 2025
  • In summer, a patterned knit is an easy go-to with shorts, over a bikini top, or with a flowing midi skirt.
    Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 9 July 2025
Noun
  • Sunscreen is another item that makes sense to buy in miniature.
    Amy Panos, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 June 2025
  • Or an assortment of your favorite Disney characters, rendered in miniature, adorning the Adilette Clog 2.0?
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 16 June 2025
Noun
  • Hawaii led every state in net favorability — calculated by subtracting the unfavorable figure from the favorable figure — with a rating of +53.
    Brendan Rascius July 11, Miami Herald, 11 July 2025
  • Some economists say the weak growth figures mean the Bank of England is now more likely to cut interest rates in August.
    Jenni Reid, CNBC, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • In Gary, for example, the zoning code formerly required all homes to be built on lots a minimum of 50 feet wide.
    Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 12 July 2025
  • We’re told, for example, that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement has at various times stationed at least five people there, including an assistant special agent in charge and two drone operators.
    Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 12 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Model.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/model. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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